Gilini Group’s investment in London-based Skarper reflects its commitment to backing engineering-led companies with the potential to reshape everyday systems. Skarper is more than a cycling startup; it is a patented transport infrastructure technology – with the ambition to electrify both existing bicycles and future builds.
Introduced to Gilini through its private network, the partnership began with a shared recognition that Skarper’s DiskDrive® represented a fundamentally different proposition from traditional e-bike products.
Skarper is a click-on, click-off electric drive system that converts a standard disc brake bicycle into a high-performance e-bike without permanent modifications. This allows riders to switch seamlessly between manual and paddle-assist seamless power, rather than relying on front-wheel kits or full replacement e-bikes.
Skarper has now completed its third production run, totalling approximately 1,000 units, with two-thirds of the inventory already in the UK and the balance inbound.
With presence across D2C, retail and distribution channels, the company has demonstrated manufacturing readiness and early market validation. Its engineering has also been recognised internationally – winning the iF Gold Award (alongside Ferrari, Apple and Sony), as well as Red Dot and Eurobike Awards, signalling global validation of both its design and functionality.
The Gilini team engaged directly with Skarper’s leadership to understand the long-term vision – one centred on electrification infrastructure rather than incremental product development. Among Skarper’s founding shareholders is Sir Chris Hoy, whose involvement is rooted in engineering conviction rather than promotion, underscoring belief in the technology.
Gilini’s role has been more than capital. By leveraging operational, manufacturing and strategic insight, the Group supported Skarper through the transition from prototype to commercial platform, ensuring scale without loss of identity. This reflects Gilini’s broader approach: acting with pace, precision and alignment with founder intent.
The partnership has strengthened Skarper’s path toward European expansion and positioned the company at the forefront of zero-emission mobility systems. For Gilini, Skarper represents the kind of venture that combines ingenuity with industrial purpose – a British-developed technology with the potential for global impact.
Ean Brown, CEO of Skarper, said: “From day one, our ambition has been system change, not incremental improvement. Gilini understood that immediately. They backed not just our product, but Skarper’s ambition to become a defining platform in global e-mobility.”
By backing a patented, British-developed technology with global potential, Gilini Group has demonstrated its ability to act decisively, engage experts, and support businesses that improve people’s lives whilst creating long-term value.
Sajjad Sabur CIO of Gilini said – “we’re very excited for this partnership with Skarper, as it represents not just our interest in technological innovation and our excitement for Skarper’s growth, but also because Skarper’s technology positively benefits the health of the local community.
Reducing the use of cars, improving road congestion, and encouraging cycling all help improve community wellbeing and align with Gilini’s commitment to investing in health and wellbeing”
